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How Long Do Dental Implants Last? What You Need to Know

Faris Kirmani • Jan 27, 2021

If you’ve been looking into the price of dental implants then you’re probably well aware that, initially at least, they cost more than other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges. So if you’re looking at investing your hard-earned cash into a dental implant, then it’s hardly surprising that you’re interested in knowing how long it’s likely to last.

How long do dental implants last?

In short, dental implants are designed to last several decades or more although the visible part i.e. the dental crown, may need replacing every 5 and 10 years. Depending on your circumstances, you may never have to replace your dental implant.

That said, there are several factors that affect the longevity of a dental implant. So let’s take a closer look…

The skill of your dentist or oral surgeon

Over recent years, advances in dental technology and techniques including CBCT 3D scans and computer-guided placement have greatly improved the success rate of dental implants.

As you probably know, implant surgery is necessary to place a dental implant into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. Over time the bone surrounding the implant fuses with it in a process known as osseointegration. Once this has successfully occurred, the implant is strong enough to support a prosthetic – or dental crown. This natural procedure is vital to the success of a dental implant.

Not only will an experienced dentist or oral surgeon plan your implant surgery meticulously, but they will also know if osseointegration has taken place successfully before moving onto the next stage of the procedure. This is to attach the abutment (although in some cases the abutment is fitted at the same time as the to implant is placed).

The abutment is a small component used to attach the prosthetic to the implant post and is fitted during another short spell of implant surgery. Once this has healed, the dental crown can be attached and the restoration is complete.

Location of the implant

In answer to your question “how long do dental implants last?”, its location in the mouth also has some bearing. For example, an implant used at the back of the mouth to replace a molar will receive more pressure through chewing than a dental implant positioned at the front of the mouth. Consequently, the implant placed at the back may fail quicker than the one at the front.

The quality of the jawbone

Like a natural tooth, a dental implant relies on support from the jawbone to keep it securely in place and prior to giving a patient the go-ahead to receive implants, several x-rays and scans will be taken to assess the volume and health of the jawbone.

Not having sufficient bone doesn’t mean a person can’t receive dental implants since on most occasions a dentist can augment the bone with a surgical procedure known as a bone grafting. However, this makes the dental implant procedure longer since the graft has to heal before the implants can be placed and, it will also add to the overall cost.

Oral care

While a dental implant won’t ever decay like a natural tooth might, the surrounding gum that supports the implant is vulnerable to gum disease. This is why it’s so important to maintain good oral health with regular and thorough brushing and flossing.

If gum disease isn’t treated right away, inflammation and infection can spread to the area in your mouth where your dental implant is located. This causes a condition known as peri-implantitis that attacks the gums and bone surrounding the implant. As a result, the implant loosens and may need to be extracted or it may fall out of its own accord.

It’s also important after implant surgery to attend all of the follow-up dental appointments. These allow your dentist to assess the progress of osseointegration and to spot any early signs of gum disease or other problems and nip them in the bud before they become a threat to your dental implants.

Smoking

Smoking can also affect the lifespan of dental implants.

The nicotine in cigarette smoke is known to constrict the blood vessels and slow down the flow of blood to the body, which in turn affects the immune system. As a result, the healing process takes longer and in some cases, osseointegration fails to occur.

A smoker will be asked to quit smoking before, during and after the implant procedure has been completed. However, it’s advisable to quit smoking altogether since a smoker stands a higher risk of implant failure at some point in the future than a non-smoker.

Do I really need an implant?

So now you have an answer to the question “how long do dental implants last” you may be wondering is it really necessary to spend the money on an implant if you’re missing a tooth.

You don’t have to, but the answer is that you probably should. A dental implant will benefit you in many ways. For instance, it stops the rest of your teeth from shifting and helps prevent the jaw degrading over time. It also looks and acts like a natural tooth enabling you to eat any foods that you want.

If you’re considering dental implants then why not book a consultation with the friendly experienced dental team at Riverlands Dental to discuss whether implants are the best option for and whether you’re a suitable candidate.

Call us at (02) 4501 7930 today.

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